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EE: Research Questions

Extended Essay Resources

Keep in Mind...

A good research question focuses your research.  It is specific enough to be addressed in 4000 words.  It should be a question that does not already have a clear answer.  It should be a question that you are interested in finding out an answer to.  There should be information available to investigate your question. (If it is easily answerable or unanswerable, then it is not a very good question.)

In the process of working with your supervisor and engaging in the research process, you may modify your research question over time.

RQ Worksheet

  1. Use These Question Starters

    • "What is the relationship between..."
    • "How does [X] affect..."
    • "What factors contribute to..."
    • "To what extent does..."
    • "How effective is..."

  2. Check Your Question's Strength

    • Can you collect data about it?
    • Is it specific enough?
    • Does it require analysis, not just description?
    • Can you complete it in your available time?
    • Will your teacher approve it?

  3. Red Flags to Watch For

    • Questions that can be answered with just "yes" or "no"
    • Topics that are too recent to have enough research
    • Subjects that require resources you can't access
    • Questions that are too broad to answer well

RQ Video